Julia Cameron’s “Morning Pages” are a beloved tool amongst artists, business owners, spiritualists, and just anyone who’s heard of it. If you haven’t heard of it,
Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing,
done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages*–
they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about
anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes
only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and
synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put
three pages of anything on the page...and then do three more pages tomorrow.
I do these more or less every day. Or I’ve adopted what works for me. Sometimes it’s three pages, sometimes it’s five. Sometimes I pull a tarot card after and write more reflecting with that. Sometimes it’s the first thing in the morning, sometimes it’s the 15th thing in the afternoon. But it usually gets done.
I can’t tell you how much this practice has changed my life. Not because it’s been miraculous, but I can’t tell you because I don’t know. The one thing I’m sure of, is that it gets me writing every day. I want to incorporate this stream of conscious writing into fiction. Little pieces of flash to get into the habit of building and letting go.
So often as writers it’s easy to get stuck staring at the blank page. Begging inspiration to come to you, when most likely the paralyzation is just the fear of writing something awful. And so what if it is? It’s just art, it’s just life. Someone out there probably likes your work way more than you do. So if anything, create for that someone.
I’m setting up a challenge for myself, and want you to follow suit. First thing in the morning (or the 15th), sitting down and banging out three pages (or five minutes) of fiction that comes to mind. I’ll share it here, as well. I’m not totally crazy, I’ll go through and do some editing, but nothing major. Maybe set a limit on how long you’ll edit as well, it’s easy to get carried away. Just to ensure it makes enough sense.
Now, don’t hold me too hard to it. I’m only human. When I say every day, I mean I take weekends off. And sometimes Thursdays (Friday Jr.). But I hope you enjoy the little pieces of fiction that will land in your inbox. Skip the bleak New York Times run downs and tune into what may be an equally bleak piece of fiction from yours truly.
If this inspires you to start your own morning fiction habit, let me know. I’m always thrilled to read work by my peers, they usually fast become my favorite authors.